For my mama and my papa thank you for everything ❤️🕊️

Love her voice was lucky to see her one time in Philadelphia

The character in the musical (Anyone Can Whistle) is singing about how she can do hard things without problem or error, but the simple things she wishes she could do, she cannot. "What's hard is simple, what's natural comes hard." She's unable to let go of her troubles and she wishes someone could show her how to do that. I sing this at auditions. It's such a beautiful song.

Ugh! This was so perfect. I've been watching this video every other day for like 3 yrs lol...beautiful vocals.

I saw Cleo Lane in Merrilville Indiana with Mel Torme. What a performer. She is great!

@chntuz1

4 жыл бұрын

Thomas Mace We were there; she is a wonderful woman, and John was a delight; I miss him.

I love this song so much. And Cleo.

Great sound.

Makes me feel like shes packing up to go, maybe begin another life, another time and place, or leaving to go be herself and wander. Gives me hope somewhat in knowing so. -UW

Bravo! Love it! :D

From what I read the song is allegorical to the composer's own insecurities. How many other songs deal with this subject? A masterful yet simplistic and touching song.

@noahvale939

3 жыл бұрын

You mean simple, not simplistic.

I agree. I love it, it's a shame that it's so obscure. I believe it's about how for somewhat uptight people like Faye (the character), the most challenging things in life (dancing a tango, reading Greek) come natural to them because it actually requires heavy thinking. But an act as easy as whistling (which anyone can do), Faye can't do it because all it requires is carefree-ness.

I adore Sondheim and his work, and almost always understand it (even the most complex) but for some reason I never understood this song. Any explanations?

@gregorywiederecht

2 жыл бұрын

I know this is a super ancient comment and you're probably not going to respond. But it's basically about someone who finds it extremely easy to do difficult things, and extremely hard to do simple things. Like, she can play a piano piece by sight reading, but not by ear. In this case, she's talking about how it's really easy for a lot of people to be emotionally vulnerable, with their guard down, and no defense mechanisms in place. And she's struggling with that, even though it's something that she wants to be able to do.

@viewfromwilmington

2 жыл бұрын

I think it is autobiographical.

@vibraharp226 ..... .. the melody is haunting ........... i dont think you can argue that the melody isnt a very strong one .of the very highest order the backdrop of this video is a bit dated and her hair do is .interesting .........but her instrament is beutifull and exceptional

@noahvale939

4 жыл бұрын

To say nothing of her instrument, which is quite smashing.

i love the song and her singing..her walking around makes me a tad dizzy

What a horrible comment. I have heard Barbara Cook sing this song unaccompanied. She brought out its poignancy and its delightful simplicity. Sondheim often reassesses his own work so one interview with him is not enough to dismiss it. Perhaps you might offer us a suggestion of your own favourite Sondheim piece so that others may judge your taste.

what key is this in

It's B major.

It is a great song and she's a fine singer, but what a misguided interpretation! Something dreamed up by a set designer, no doubt.

Sondheim did some fine work in his day, but this song is near the bottom of the heap, particularly the painfully insipid lyrics and false Hallmark greeting card sentimentality. And for those of you who disagree, even Sondheim himself admitted (in an interview on NPR) that when he hears this song, he's embarrased by it. And this version by Cleo is egregiously bad.